What heating element for smelting?

[max it]

Guys,
I really scored! I now have a source for linotype that will last a bit. My first batch I did on the outside burner of my propane grill. But not really hot enough.

I hear that 2000w electric hot plate would be good.
Or should I run over to Harbor Freight and get a turkey burner?
Or what?

much obliged,

Max

p.s.- beautiful boolits 1/2 ww and 1/2 lino :)

MI

[Jon]

It's up to you, but if you're making ingots, I would go with the propane burner. Electric is nice if you're casting though.

[max it]

Jon,

I have the Lee 4-20 pot for casting. You are right. Anyway see my other post on this.
I have to get a propane burner somewhere.

mucho obligado,

Max

[RKJ]

Max-it, Walgreens has a 1000W hot plate for $10.00 that melted all the WW's (200 lbs) easily and quickly for me.

[lwknight]

That 2000 wat element should do you a good job. Its about 7500 btu VS. 40,000 of a turkey fryer. But the turkey fryer wastes a lot of heat unless you shield it right to get most of it into the pot.
I like the idea of an electric melter as long a I don't have 100s of pounds and am short on time.

What a useless statement I just made. LOL!

[Bkid]

Turkey fryer http://www.turkey-fryers.com/SP-1_propane_patio_stove.htm
This bad boy gets her done.

[max it]

That 2000 wat element should do you a good job. Its about 7500 btu VS. 40,000 of a turkey fryer. But the turkey fryer wastes a lot of heat unless you shield it right to get most of it into the pot.
I like the idea of an electric melter as long a I don't have 100s of pounds and am short on time.

What a useless statement I just made. LOL!

Mr.Knight, You are right, I have lots to do and limited time. I think I will check Harbor Freight and H.Depot before I take Mr.Kid's advise and get a $40 bayou cooker.
Much obliged,

Max

[hammerhead357]

If you are short on time and have a lot to do. Get a turkey fryer and a pot. I won't say cast iron because some have failed. But get this together and use something to keep the heat of the burner close to the pot and I would think you would be happy... Just my worthless 2 cents worth.. I do have 2 turkey fryers and one 1000 lb gas fired furnace....I think gas is best even though it is a little more expensive now but it is faster in my experience.....Wes

[old_haidouk]

hammerhead357 you have a 1000lbs gas fired furnace? I don't want to hijack the thread but would like details.

[frankenfab]

I would beef up the frame a bit with some scrap steel, ergo, "free"

If the power goes out and you're bored, you can still cast bullets.:D

[Bkid]

That turkey fryer is 185,000 BTU `s Mr. Max it.

[Bkid]

I would beef up the frame a bit with some scrap steel, ergo, "free"

If the power goes out and you're bored, you can still cast bullets.:D

Yep I had to beef up mine. I can stand on it now with a pot of WW`S. :cool:

[hammerhead357]

Old haidouk, yes it is a 1000 lb gas furnace. I think it will hold a litlle over 1200 lbs of WWs IIRC. It came out of an old print shop. I have seen them as large as 5000 lbs.
I think if you click on my name and then click on stat then on find all threads started by me that you can locate where I posted pictures of it.
I had converted it to propane but in the pictures it isn't working properly. I have since replaced the burners with turkey frier burners and haven't had a chance to use it. I thought I would get to while on vacation but it didn't happen. Maybe later I will get to use it....Wes

[lwknight]

I would say that a 185,000 btu burner is a gitter donener

[max it]

Mr, Kid, & Co.

Ordered the turkey-fyer today. The Walgreen's 1000/ electic didnt quite cut it. What with my large cast iron pot and all. Anyway the wife wanted a spare to warm things on when the other 4 burners are going full tilt.

Mucho obligado,

Maxi